Mission and Resources

Abandoned coal mines pose serious threats to public health, safety and welfare as well as degrade the environment. The programs of Tennessee Land Reclamation Section accomplish three important things:

1. They remove dangerous health and safety hazards that threaten the citizens of Tennessee.
2. They improve the environment.
3. They restore resources to make them available for economic development, recreation, and other uses.

Problems typically addressed by the Land Reclamation Section include open or improperly filled mine shafts, dilapidated mine buildings and equipment, toxic mine refuse and drainage, landslides, mine fires, highwalls, and subsidence. Tennessee Code Annotated (59-8-301) updated statute authorizes the Commissioner of the Department of Environment and Conservation or its employees to acquire or enter property for the purposes of reclaiming abandoned mines.

Use the links below for more information about abandoned mine lands (AML).